Dave Doeren will leave NIU football for N.C. State

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Northern Star File Photo

By Brian Thomas

Last night, the Huskies won their second consecutive MAC Championship after defeating Kent State in a thrilling, double overtime game, 44-37. Now, coach Dave Doeren has been named the head football coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack, confirmed by school officials.

“Coach Dave Doeren is a highly motivated overachiever who shares our goals to pursue aggressively a high level of achievement in the classroom and on the field of competition,” said Deborah A. Yow, North Carolina State director of athletics.

In Doeren’s two seasons at NIU, he had an overall record of 23-4 and 17-1 in MAC conference play. He led the Huskies to two consecutive MAC Championships, as well.

In Doeren’s first season he led the Huskies to 11 wins. This season, he topped that performance, leading the Huskies to a school-record 12 wins and 12 wins in a row.

“I am honored and excited to join the Wolfpack,” Doeren said in a news conference. “NC State has world-class facilities and fans that are second to none. I want to thank Chancellor Woodson and Debbie Yow for this tremendous opportunity. My family and I can’t wait to get to Raleigh and become Wolfpackers. While I look forward to our future at State, I want to acknowledge and thank the Northern Illinois players and fans for their support the last two years, especially President Peters and Jeff Compher [athletic director].”

There will be a press conference at 4 p.m. Sunday, viewable live through N.C. State’s athletics website. According to an NIU news release, Doeren will not coach the Huskies’ bowl game. The search for Doeren’s replacement already is underway, according to NIU Athletics Director Jeff Compher.

According to an April article from the Northern Star, Doeren received a salary increase after the Huskies won the GoDaddy.com Bowl, putting him at an annual base salary of $420,000.